Florida
Abortion rights initiative’s support grows to 69%, new UNF poll shows
By Gabrielle Russon
Florida Politics
A new poll says 69% of voters favor the upcoming abortion rights initiative, although one political science warned that support could fall closer to the election.
Related: Poll shows both abortion and cannabis constitutional amendments are leading
States break out new tactics to thwart abortion ballot measures
By Alice Miranda Ollstein
Politico
Former President Donald Trump and much of the GOP insist abortion be left to “the will of the people” at the state level. Anti-abortion groups and Republican state officials are working to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Are patients from Florida going elsewhere for abortions — or staying pregnant?
By Shefali Luthra
The 19th
Jennifer knew she couldn’t have a second child. She already has a 10-year-old daughter. They don’t have money to spare.
As Florida six-week ban forces women to leave state for abortions, volunteers add support
By Antigone Barton
Palm Beach Post
When planning a trip for a medical procedure that can’t be had locally, the little things are essential.
Abortion rights group drops appeal of Florida ballot statement case
Staff Report
News Service of Florida
A political committee leading efforts to pass an abortion-rights constitutional amendment said Wednesday it is dropping an appeal at the Florida Supreme Court about a “financial impact statement” that will appear with the initiative on the November ballot.
With Kamala Harris on the ballot, could the outlook improve for Florida’s abortion and marijuana amendments?
By Cindy Krischer Goodman and Shira Moolten
South Florida Sun Sentinel
As a mother of a 20-something daughter, Beth Kravec of Broward County wants to see abortion rights guaranteed in Florida. Having Kamala Harris, a vocal advocate for women’s reproductive rights, as a presidential nominee excites her.
Youths attending Trump speech at conservative summit more worried about economy, abortion
By John Pacenti
Palm Beach Post
The Democrats flipped the script on former President Donald Trump when President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. No longer is Biden the oldest candidate ever to run for president — that distinction now belongs to Trump.
Jacksonville anti-abortion activist sues Google, saying she was censored, deplatformed
By Steve Patterson
Jacksonville Florida Times-Union
A Jacksonville anti-abortion activist is suing Google, arguing the internet giant violated Florida state law by shutting down her account without warning or a chance to recover photos and information there.
South Florida group helps expectant mothers get proper care by providing free rides to medical appointments
By Heather Walker and Janiah Adams
WSVN Miami
Being a mom can be challenging, especially if your child needs medical care, but one local organization is helping out, one car ride at a time.
Third political action committee formed to try to take down abortion-rights amendment
By Mitch Perry
Florida Phoenix
As polls continue to show support for the abortion rights constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall in Florida, another political action committee has been created to try to thwart the measure from passing this November.
National
More US women have tried to induce their own abortion since fall of Roe – report
By Carter Sherman
The Guardian
Roughly 7% of women of reproductive age in the US have attempted to induce their own abortions outside the formal healthcare system, a new study has found, up from 5% before Roe v Wade fell in 2022.
How Americans Really Feel About Abortion: The Sometimes Surprising Poll Results As 2024 Election Heats Up
By Alison Durkee
Forbes
As abortion is once again a central issue ahead of November, polling suggests why Republicans have tried to downplay the issue, as Americans broadly support the procedure remaining legal, even as their levels of support vary when looking at various demographics and abortions later into a pregnancy.
Conservatives push to declare fetuses as people, with far-reaching consequences
By Anna Claire Vollers
States Newsroom
When Missourians head to the polls in November, they may get to vote on whether to overturn their state’s near-total abortion ban and legalize abortions up to the point of fetal viability.
Here’s How the GOP Platform Could Lead to a Nationwide Abortion Ban
By Julianne McShane
Mother Jones
If you listen to leading anti-abortion activists, you will notice they keep speaking a bit too honestly.
Exclusive: Inside the Supreme Court’s negotiations and compromise on Idaho’s abortion ban
By Joan Biskupic
CNN
The Supreme Court began the year poised to build on its 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and to deliver a new blow to abortion access.
Letters to the editor
Florida abortion limits are intrusive
By Taiwan Jackson, Sanford, Orlando Sentinel
As a nurse and a mother of three who had two very medically difficult pregnancies, I can speak with great experience on the dangers of the extreme abortion limits enacted by the Florida Legislature. The politicians in Tallahassee have no idea about what pregnant women might be facing medically or personally, but they want to dictate the most private aspects of our lives. This is so intrusive, arrogant and the worst kind of government interference. We need to reverse this misguided law as soon as possible. That’s why I’m voting yes on Amendment 4 to protect the privacy, rights and well-being of women here in Central Florida and across the state.
Here’s a personal freedom
By Marcus Afzali, Safety Harbor, Tampa Bay Times
Floridians are proud of our reputation for prioritizing the protection of people’s personal freedoms. And this November we will once again have a chance to show our commitment to protecting those personal freedoms by voting yes on Florida Amendment 4.
A woman’s experience
By Gail Dudley, Sun City Center, Tampa Bay Times
Excerpt: How dare any man, let alone a Legislature full of them, determine what a woman can or cannot do with her health and her body. Try sitting in our seat and see how you would feel. I know — make a rule that all men, once puberty hits, must have vasectomies. That way, no rape or incest pregnancies.
Statement of abortion costs contrived
By Stephen Entman, Jacksonville, Florida Times-Union
Excerpt: The calculation of the costs associated with Amendment 4 should not be considered. The fundamental issue is whether women have freedom to control their bodies. The committee’s lopsided statement of costs is contrived to manipulate voters.
Catholic Church, stay out of health decisions
By Fred Fader, Orlando, Orlando Sentinel
Excerpt: Catholic bishops should refrain from any opinion on a woman’s right to make her own health-care decisions. Bishops will never have a menstrual cycle, get pregnant, or be forced to take on the financial and physical burdens of too many children…Bishops, you need to sit down and shut your mouths. Vote “yes” on Amendment 4.
Related: Catholic Church goes too far in fighting Amendment 4